Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas: Swathy Ramanath Joins as Partner

• Swathy Ramanath has joined Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co as a Partner in its Bengaluru office.
• She will be part of the firm's Infrastructure, Energy, and Project Finance practice.
• Ms. Ramanath brings 15 years of experience, specializing in complex project contracts, M&A, and financing across critical infrastructure sectors.
• Prior to this role, she was a Partner at Khaitan & Co, where she began her career in 2011.
• Her expertise includes advising on power, airports, railways, and Global Capability Centres, enhancing SAM's capabilities in these areas.

Her departure from Khaitan & Co as a partner underscores the high regard for her expertise in the legal community.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co (SAM) has announced the significant addition of Swathy Ramanath as a new partner, bolstering its Infrastructure, Energy, and Project Finance practice. This strategic move sees Ms. Ramanath joining the firm's Bengaluru office, marking a notable India legal lateral hire within the country's competitive legal landscape. Her appointment is expected to enhance SAM's capabilities in critical sectors, reflecting the firm's commitment to strengthening its specialized offerings.

Ms. Ramanath, a distinguished alumna of the National Law School of India University, having graduated in 2011, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Prior to her move to SAM, she held a partnership position at Khaitan & Co, where she had commenced her career as an Associate in 2011. Her departure from Khaitan & Co as a partner underscores the high regard for her expertise in the legal community.

With a robust career spanning 15 years, Swathy Ramanath possesses extensive experience in advising on intricate matters across the Projects, Infrastructure, and Energy sectors. Her professional background encompasses a broad spectrum of legal services, including deep involvement in project contracts, concession agreements, and bid processes. Furthermore, she has advised on complex mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and various financing arrangements, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the transactional aspects within these capital-intensive industries.

Ms. Ramanath's practice is particularly diverse, covering a wide array of critical infrastructure assets. This includes significant work in power transmission, airport development, both conventional and renewable power generation, and railway projects, alongside other allied infrastructure initiatives. Beyond transactional and advisory work, her expertise extends to representing clients in disputes directly related to her areas of sectoral focus. Her experience also uniquely includes advising on the establishment and expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), providing her with a holistic perspective on the infrastructure, regulatory, commercial, and transactional considerations vital for businesses operating and growing in India.

The integration of a Swathy Ramanath Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas partner of her caliber is a strategic win for the firm, particularly for its SAM Infrastructure Energy Project Finance division. Her deep understanding of critical infrastructure sectors and her proven track record in complex transactions are poised to significantly benefit SAM's clientele and expand its market footprint. This move is indicative of the ongoing demand for specialized legal talent in India's rapidly developing infrastructure and energy markets.

Managing Partners Pallavi Shroff and Akshay Chudasama have publicly acknowledged the significance of this appointment, emphasizing Ms. Ramanath's extensive experience across infrastructure, energy, and projects, specifically highlighting her contributions to critical infrastructure sectors. This high-profile Khaitan & Co partner exit to SAM underscores the dynamic nature of the Indian legal market and the strategic importance firms place on acquiring top-tier talent to meet evolving client needs and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Lawyers and compliance officers involved in infrastructure, energy, and project finance in India should note this strategic lateral hire, as it strengthens Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas's capabilities in these sectors and could influence competitive dynamics or client advisory options.

Source: Original reporting via Bar & Bench